Hopeful to start this Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford made his triumphant return to practice on Thursday and was among seven Detroit players listed as limited participants on the team's latest injury report.
Stafford's status entering the week appeared uncertain after he left his team's Week 3 loss with a hip injury, but the fourth-year signal caller provided a huge motivational boost by suiting up for Thursday's practice. Even though Stafford was a limited participant, he still has a great chance to start against the Vikings if he can avoid any setbacks.
Also returning to practice on Thursday were a pair of Stafford's favorite targets in tight end Tony Scheffler and receiver Titus Young. Scheffler injured his calf against San Francisco in Week 2 and was forced to sit out against the Titans, while Young missed Wednesday's practice with a knee injury. Both were limited on Thursday along with Stafford, but also are expected to see the field this weekend.